Multi-hook fastener member

ABSTRACT

A method of continuously producing an elongated strip-like fastener member is disclosed which facilitates highly efficient formation of the fastener member with a great multiplicity of resiliently flexible hook-like projections. The method comprises the formation of an extrusion of plastic material which is shaped between a pair of coacting first and second rollers. Notably, one of the rollers defines a plurality of hook-forming cavities about its periphery within which the hook projections of the fastener member are formed. The forming roller is suitably cooled so as to effect substantial reduction in the temperature of the molten plastic extrusion from which the fastener member is formed. In this manner, the fastener member may be removed or stripped from the forming roller without opening of the hook-forming cavities, thus promoting highly efficient formation of the fastener member without resort to unduly complex equipment of processes.

This is a divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 865,575 filed onMay 15, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,028 which is a File Wrappercontinuation of Ser. No. 600,990, filed 16, 1984 abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method of producing afastener member having a multiplicity of resiliently flexible,upstanding hook-like projections, and more particularly to a method ofcontinuously producing such a fastener member by a combinedextrusion/roll forming process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Strip-like fastener members comprising a great multiplicity ofclosely-spaced upstanding hook-like projections are used in manydifferent applications for providing both releasable and semi-permanentconnection of associated elements. These types of multi-hook fastenersare typically configured for coaction with a multi-loop or likewise"piled" element, with the multiple hooks engaging the closely-spacedmultiple loops to provide the desired connecting or gripping action.

Depending upon the configuration of the multi-hook fastener member, manydifferent types of materials and fabrics are adapted for coactiontherewith to effect joining of the associated structures. Not only dosuch fastening devices have many applications for wearing apparel,recreational equipment, covers for cars and boats, and the like, suchdevices are further being advantageously employed in applicationswherein the highly convenient connecting action promotes joining ofassociated structures in an essentially permanent manner. For example,such fastening devices are finding ever-increasing use in the automotiveindustry for efficient fabrication and assembly of components such asseats, interior trim, and the like.

Because the multi-hook fastener element of such fastening devices isoften most advantageously and efficiently handled and used in anelongated, continuous strip form, various techniques have been developedfor manufacture of such multi-hook fasteners in continuous strips.However, the difficulties associated with forming the large number ofrelatively small hook-like projections required for the desiredfastening action has heretofore led those skilled in the art to resortto relatively complex forming devices and/or processes.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,147,528, to Erb, discloses anopenable injection mold having a large number of projection-formingcavities which open upwardly to a generally flat surface at the top ofthe mold. The cavities are defined by a series of separable mold plates.In use, a piece of fabric is positioned atop of the mold plates, andmoldable material forced through the fabric so that it enters thecavities of the mold, thus forming a multi-hook fastener member. Sincethe mold itself is of a discrete length, formation of a continuousstrip-like fastener member calls for relatively inefficient sequentialor stepwise formation of individual segments of the member in end-to-endrelation.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,657, to Menzin et al, discloses an apparatus forproducing a continuous multi-hook fastener member. The apparatusincludes a drum-like apparatus which includes a relatively complexarrangement of shiftable plates at its periphery which define cavitiesfor forming hook-like projections. A plastic extruder is provided inclose association with the drum so that as the drum rotates, plastic isinjected into the hook-shaped cavities and is joined to a backing strip.Removal of the fastener member thus formed is accomplished by inwardlyshifting alternate ones of the cavity-defining plates so that thecavities are opened to permit removal of the hook-like projections.

As will be appreciated, the above forming techniques require relativelycomplex equipment, and overall efficiency suffers due to the requiredopening of the hook-forming cavities to permit removal of the hookprojections therefrom without damage or unacceptable deformation. Thepresent method of forming a multi-hook fastener member affords asubstantial improvement in the efficiency with which such members can beformed by permitting continuous formation of such a strip-like fastenermember without unduly complex forming machinery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method of continuously producing an elongated strip-like fastenermember is disclosed which employs relatively straightforward formingequipment to provide desired efficiency and economy in the forming ofsuch fastener members. In essence, the present invention contemplatesthe continuous formation of a strip-like fastener member by forming themember from a continuous extrusion of plastic material. Forming rollersare employed for shaping the extrusion to the desired multi-hookconfiguration, with one of the rollers defining hook-forming cavitieswithin which the multiplicity of hook-like projections of the finishedfastener are formed.

Significantly, it has been found that by appropriately cooling thecavity-defining roller, a substantial reduction in the temperature ofthe fastener member is effected as it is carried by the cavity-definingroller through a substantial portion of a revolution thereof. The highlydesirable result of this technique is the capability of removing thefastener from the forming roller without opening the hook-definingcavities thereof. The use of relatively complex forming equipment isthus avoided, with the desirable efficiency of a continuous processfacilitating highly economical fabrication of such fastener members.

The fastener member formed in accordance with the present processcomprises a base portion, and a great multiplicity of closely-spaced,resiliently flexible hook-like projections which extend integrally fromone surface of the base portion. Notably, the hook-like projections ofthe fastener member include free end portions which extend generallytoward the base portion to promote the desired interaction with anassociated multi-loop element. This desired interaction is furtherpromoted by the configuration of the hook projections wherein at leastsome adjacent ones of the projections, in a direction along the lengthof the fastener member, extend in generally opposite directions.

The present method first comprises the step of forming a strip-likeextrusion of molten plastic material which can be very efficientlyperformed with conventional extruding equipment. Readily extrudablematerials such as nylon and polypropylene have been found to provide thefinished fastener member with the desired fastening characteristics, butit will be recognized that other extrudable and formable plasticmaterials may alternately be employed.

The present process further includes the step of providing a first,cooled forming roller having a large plurality of hook-forming cavitiesdefined about its entire periphery. The hook projections of the fastenermember are formed within the cavities, with each cavity thus includingan inner end portion extending in a direction toward the periphery ofthe forming roller. To facilitate removal of the hook projections fromthe cavities, each cavity preferably is provided with an inwardlytapering configuration at the throat of each cavity, i.e., the portionwhich extends inwardly from the periphery of the forming roller.

The present method further includes providing a second pressure rollerin position for coaction with the first forming roller, and concurrentlyrotating the first and second rollers in opposite directions aboutrespective parallel axes. During practice of the method, a gap isestablished at the interface of the first and second rollers whichgenerally corresponds to the thickness of the base portion of thefastener member being formed.

Formation of the fastener member is effected by extruding the materialinto the nip or interface between the first and second rollers so thatthe plastic material fills the hook-forming cavities in the first,cooled roller. Thus, the fastener member is formed with its base portionand a great multiplicity of hook-like projections extending integrallyfrom one surface of the base portion. In some applications, it can bedesirable to relieve the pressure at the laterally opposite sides of thebase portion of the fastener member at the interface of the first andsecond rollers. Pressure relief is accomplished by permitting unconfinedlateral flow of the molten plastic material at the roller interface.

As noted, the first forming roller is cooled, and cooling of thefastener member being formed is thus effected by carrying the fastenermember on the periphery of the rotating, cooled forming roller. Carefulcontrol of the cooling, as well as appropriate selection of the linearforming speed and extrusion temperature, have been found to promote theformation of the multiple hook-like projections without opening of thehook-forming cavities for removal of the projections. Excessive coolingof the forming roller acts to prevent complete filling of the cavities,while insufficient cooling does not sufficiently cool and solidify theplastic material to permit the desired removal of the fastener memberfrom the forming roller without unacceptable deformation of the hookprojections.

The continuous fastener member is removed from the cooled forming rollerby tensioning the member through the use of belt pullers positioneddownstream of the forming rollers. The removal or stripping of thefastener member is effected at a position spaced from the interface ofthe first and second rollers to thus provide the desired cooling of thefastener member prior to its removal.

During development of the present process, it has been found that theabove-described pressure relief at the interface of the first and secondrollers can result in the base portion of the fastener member beingexcessively wide. Depending upon the configuration of the rollers,enlarged bead portions can also be formed at the laterally oppositesides of the base portion attendant the pressure relief of the moltenplastic material. To provide the fastener member with its desiredfinished width, and to avoid any uneven shrinkage or warpage that canoccur from the presence of the enlarged bead portions, the presentmethod contemplates trimming the laterally opposite sides of the baseportion of the fastener member immediately after removal of the memberfrom the forming roller. For this purpose, a rotatably mounted trimroller is provided, with suitable trimming knives further provided toeffect trimming of the fastener member to the desired finished width.

Numerous other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome readily apparent from the following detailed description, theaccompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, side elevational view of apparatus employedfor practicing a method embodying the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view, in partial cross-section,illustrating molten plastic extrusion into the nip or interface betweenfirst and second coacting forming rollers in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a further side elevational view illustrating formation andtrimming of a fastener member in accordance with the present method;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the continuous fastenermember formed in accordance with the present method;

FIG. 5 is a view taken generally along lines 5--5 of FIG. 3 furtherillustrating formation and trimming of the fastener member formed inaccordance with the present method;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the surface of the cooled forming rolleremployed in the present method illustrating hook-forming cavities in theperiphery of the roller; and

FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged side elevational view taken generally alonglines 7--7 of FIG. 6 of the hook-forming cavities defined by the cooledforming roller employed in practicing the method incorporating thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda presently preferred embodiment, with the understanding that thepresent disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of theinvention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specificembodiment illustrated.

Referring first to FIG. 4, therein is illustrated a portion of thecontinuous, elongated strip-like fastener member, designated F, formedin accordance with the present method. The fastener member F is of amulti-hook configuration, and includes a strip-like base portion B fromone surface of which integrally projects a great multiplicity ofclosely-spaced resiliently flexible hook-like projections H. Dependingupon the desired application for the fastener member, the base portion Bmay extend laterally beyond the portion thereof from which hooks Hproject, thus providing side surfaces through which stitching or thelike may be provided for affixing the member in place. Naturally,adhesives, or suitable mechanical fastening means can alternately beemployed.

The fastener member F is adapted for fastening coaction with amulti-loop member having a great multiplicity of closely spaced loopelements. Accordingly, a relatively large number of the hook projectionsH are provided in closely spaced relation. In a current embodiment, thebase portion B of the fastener member has been provided with an overallwidth of approximately 1 inch, with the base portion B including lateralside portions which flank the hook projections H of approximately 3/16inch each. As will be further described, in one embodiment,approximately 80 hooks per linear inch have been provided. The hookprojections H are arranged in "rows" in a direction longitudinally ofthe fastener member, with approximately seven of the projections Hprovided in each row per inch of length of the member, and with twelvecontinuous longitudinal rows of the projections provided.

Notably, each hook projection H is provided with a configuration whereinthe free end portion of each projection extends generally toward thebase portion B of the fastener member. It should further be noted thatadjacent ones of the hook projections face in generally oppositedirections in a direction along the length of the fastener member. Thesefeatures of the construction promote the desired interaction with theassociated multi-loop fastener element, and assure the desired grippingor fastening action between the multi-hook fastener member and themulti-loop element.

FIG. 1, illustrates the various pieces of equipment which can beemployed for practicing the present method. An extruder 10, which may beof a conventional configuration, is provided, and includes an extruderhead 12 through which an extrusion, designated E, of molten plasticmaterial is forced.

The forming equipment further includes a pair of first and secondforming rollers, respectively designated 14 and 16, which are mountedfor concurrent rotation in opposite directions on respective parallelaxes on a support frame 18. The first roller 14 comprises a cooledforming roller which defines a great multiplicity of hook-formingcavities about its entire periphery for formation of the hookprojections H of the fastener member F. The second roller 16 comprises apressure roller which coacts with the cooled forming roller forformation of the fastener member. The second pressure roller 16 ispreferably mounted for movement relative to the forming roller 14 tofacilitate direction of the extrusion E therebetween at the interface ofthe rollers, to permit adjustment of the gap between the rollers foradjusting the thickness of the base portion B of the fastener member,and to facilitate adjustment of the pressure created at the interface onthe molten plastic material.

FIG. 1 further illustrates the provision of an idler-like trim roller 20rotatably mounted just above forming roller 14. The trim roller 20 ismounted in a position such that the fastener member F being formed isguided thereabout, with the fastener member being removed or strippedfrom the forming roller 14 immediately upstream of the trim roller 20.

FIG. 1 further illustrates the provision of a cooling conveyor 22 whichsupports the fastener member F subsequent to its formation. The use ofcooling conveyor 22 is optional in practicing the present method in thatit is presently preferred that the fastener member F be cooled inambient air, and thus the member need not necessarily be supported forcooling on a conveyor such as 22.

A driven belt puller 24 is positioned downstream of cooling conveyor 22for creating tension in the fastener member F for effecting the removalof the fastener member from the forming roller 14. The belt puller 24may comprise a pair of coacting, opposed puller belts 26 which engagerespective upper and lower surfaces of the continuous fastener member Ffor creating the desired tension therein. Puller belts 26 may comprisesuitable neoprene rubber or the like.

A winder 28 positioned downstream of puller 24 effects winding of thefinished continuous fastener member F on spools 30 for subsequentshipment, storage and use.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 2-7, the preferred configurationof cooled forming roller 14 will now be described. The forming roller 14comprises a hollow drum 32 which defines an interior water passage 33for effecting cooling of the roller. The drum 32 is supported forrotation about its respective axis by a driven support shaft 34 whichdefines suitable cooling passages 35 which communicate with the interior33 of the roller drum 32. The support shaft 34 is suitably supported onframe 18 to permit positioning of the forming roller 14 in closeassociation with extruder head 12 of extruder 10.

A forming plate assembly, generally designated 38, is carried on theexternal surface of the roller drum 32. The external surface of theroller drum is suitably threaded for receiving a pair of ring-likethreaded members 40 which are positioned on respective opposite sides ofthe forming plate assembly 38. This construction facilitates fabricationof the roller 14, and readily permits re-configuration of itscavity-defining periphery as may be required for forming the fastenermember F in its desired configuration.

The forming plate assembly 38 includes a pair of ring-like side plates42 respectively positioned inwardly of the threaded members 40, with theside plates 42 flanking a cavity-defining plate assembly designated 44.As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the plate assembly 44 includes analternating series of ring-like etched or engraved plates 46, andsubstantially flat backing plates 48, which together define hook-formingcavities 50 within which hooks H of fastener member F are formed. Aswill be recognized, this configuration of plate assembly 44 readilyfacilitates formation of the cavities 50 by suitably etching orengraving the plates 46, and thereafter assembling the series of theetched plates and the backing plates 48 between the side plates 42. Thering-like threaded members 40 thus function in the nature of spannernuts for holding the plates 42, 46, and 48 in position together on theroller drum 32.

The plates 46 and 48 may comprise suitably hardened steel to facilitatethe engraving or etching of the plates 46 for forming the cavities 50.As will be appreciated, the provision of six of the etched plates 46,with opposite sides of each plate suitably etched or engraved, effectsformation of fastener member F with twelve continuous longitudinal rowsof hook projections H. In a current embodiment, each of plates 46 and 48have been provided with an outside diameter of 8 inches, and a thicknessof 1/16 inch.

FIG. 7 illustrates a current embodiment of the hook-forming cavities 50.In this embodiment, each cavity is provided with a dimension at "a" ofapproximately 0.093 inches, with spacing between the cavities atdimension "b" being approximately 0.090 inches. The dimension of eachcavity in a direction peripherally of the forming roll 14 is designatedat "c" and is on the order of 0.075 inches. The free end portion of eachcavity which extends generally toward the periphery of the plate 46 isindicated at "d" and is approximately 0.045 inches. The end portion ofeach cavity at dimension "e" is on the order of approximately 0.030inches.

The above-described dimensions for the hook-forming cavities 50 havebeen specifically selected to facilitate both complete filling of thecavities during formation of the hook projections H as well as removalof the projections H from the cavities without opening of the cavities.In this regard, it will be noted that the base portion or throat of eachcavity 50 which opens toward the periphery of the forming roller isprovided with a tapering configuration at dimension "f" forapproximately 0.030 to 0.045 inches. In the region of each cavity 50where the dimension "f" is indicated, each cavity is provided with a"depth" (i.e., the depth of engraving or etching) which is preferably onthe order of 0.015 inches or greater. The depth of each cavity beyondthis relatively enlarged portion is preferably on the order of 0.010inches. As will be recognized, the above-identified dimensions areintended as illustrative, and it will be recognized that many variationsare possible with respect to the exact size, shape, and relativepositioning of the cavities 50 in keeping the principles of disclosedherein.

As will be evident from the drawings, the hook-forming cavities 50 areprovided in the periphery of the forming roller 14 such that adjacentones of the cavities, in a direction circumferentially of the roller,extend or face in generally opposite directions. As noted, the hookprojections H of fastener member F thus-formed are thereby configuredfor providing the desired gripping or fastening action with anassociated multi-loop fastener element. It is important to note that thepresent method permits formation of the fastener member F with thisdesired configuration without unacceptable deformation of the hookprojections H as they are removed from the hook-forming cavities 50without opening of the cavities.

The configuration of the pressure roller 16 will now be described.Pressure roller 16 is supported on frame 18 for driven rotationalmovement by driven shaft 56. The pressure roller 16 is preferablysufficiently cooled to avoid adhesion of the plastic material to itsroll surface comprises a roller drum 58 upon which a ring-like plate 60is positioned for providing a forming surface for coaction with theforming plate assembly 38 of forming roller 14. By this arrangement, therollers 14 and 16 are supported for concurrent rotation in oppositedirections about respective parallel axes. To facilitate convenientrelative positioning of the forming roller 14 and the pressure roller 16for forming the base portion B of fastener member F to the desiredthickness, the rollers are preferably supported on support frame 18 forrelative movement, such as by suitable air pressure cylinders or thelike operatively associated with the shaft 56 of presssure roller 16.The use of air pressure biasing of the pressure roller 16 into aposition for coaction with the forming roller 14 desirably provides ameans by which the pressure which is created at the interface of therollers can be adjusted.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the forming roller 14 and the pressure roller16 are configured to permit relief of pressure at the laterally oppositesides of their interface so that the lateral flow of plastic material atthe interface is unconfined. This arrangement has been found to provideadded flexibility in practicing the present method since sufficientmolten plastic material can be provided in the form of extrusion E toassure complete filling of the hook-forming cavities 50, while at thesame time excessive pressure is not created at the interface which couldotherwise act to urge the rollers 14 and 16 away from each other. Aswill be appreciated, appropriate selection of the linear forming speedsof the fastener member F, as well as appropriate temperature control canavoid the need for providing pressure relief at the roller interface. Inthis regard, it will be observed in FIG. 2 that an enlarged "bank"designated P is formed just upstream of the interface of the formingroller 14 and the pressure roller 16. While it is desired that the bankP be of minimum dimension to avoid urging the rollers 14 and 16 apart,the creation of this bank assures the presence of an adequate supply ofmolten plastic material for complete filling of the hook-formingcavities 50.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5, it can be desirable to trim the laterallyopposite sides of base portion B of fastener member F so that thefastener member is provided in its desired finished width. Trimming inthis manner is preferably effected as soon as possible after the formedfastener member F is removed or stripped from forming roller 14, and tothis end, the idler-like trim roller 20 is provided just above formingroller 14. The trim roller 62 is suitably rotatably supported by a trimroller shaft 64 mounted in a frame 66 above frame 18. The trim roller 62is preferably provided with a pair of spaced machined grooves 68 whichgenerally correspond in lateral spacing to the width of the finishedfastener member F. Trimming is effected by a pair of trim blades 70carried on the frame 66, with the provision of grooves 68 permitting theblades 70 to efficiently cut and trim the strip-like fastener memberwithout undue wear of the blades.

Trimming of the laterally opposite sides of base portion B of thefastener member can be particularly desirable in conjunction withformation of the fastener member with pressure reliefs at the laterallyopposite sides of the interface of rollers 14 and 16. Not only does thetrimming step desirably effect reduction of the fastener member F to itsdesired finished width, the trimming operation affords the furtheradvantage of facilitating formation of the fastener member without anywarpage or unevenness. Such unevenness can result from uneven shrinkagewhich could otherwise occur attendant to formation of the base portion Bwith pressure reliefs at the interface of rollers 14 and 16. Suchtrimming is particularly desirable if the base portion B is initiallyformed with enlarged bead portions at its laterally opposite edges(again for purposes of pressure relief) since uneven shrinkage which canoccur without trimming can result in the finished fastener member Ftaking on a somewhat "wavy" configuration. Notably, the trimmed portionsof the fastener member can be recycled through extruder 10 for efficientuse of materials.

During development of the present method, the fastener member F has beenformed from both polypropylene and nylon. While polypropylene plasticresins are somewhat easier to extrude and process, the hook projectionsH of the resultant fastener member F are somewhat more flexible thanwhen the fastener member is formed from nylon, and thus the grippingforce generated with an associated multi-loop element is somewhat less.While fabrication from nylon calls for higher extrusion temperatures,the resultant fastener member is provided with hook projections H whichare of relatively greater rigidity and resilience, and thus a greaterfastening or gripping force is created when the fastener member ispositioned in association with a multi-loop fastener element.

In forming the fastener member F from polypropylene plastic material,the material is preferably extruded from extruder 10 at a temperature onthe order of approximately 380°-440° F. The extrusion E from extruderhead 12 is preferably on the order of approximately 1/8 inch thick witha width of approximately 1 inch for forming the fastener member F with afinished width of approximately 1 inch (after trimming), with the baseportion B of the fastener member being approximately 0.010-0.012 inchesthick.

A linear forming speed on the order of 30-45 feet/minute has been foundto facilitate the desired complete formation of the hook projections Hin the hook-forming cavities 50 of the forming roller 14. In thisregard, the best results have been obtained by maintaining thetemperature of the surface of the forming roller 14 in the range ofapproximately 100°-150° F. As will be observed from the drawings, thefastener member F is carried on the periphery of the rotating formingroller 14 through approximately 120°-180° of rotation of the formingroller before the fastener member is removed or stripped from theforming roller by guidance about trim roller 62. In this manner asubstantial reduction in the temperature of the plastic material iseffected, with this reduction being on the order of 250°-350° F.

Formation of fastener member F from Celanese Nylon No. 1200, natural,has been effected with extrusion temperatures on the order ofapproximately 550° F. A linear forming speed of approximately 40-45feet/minute has provided the desired results, again with the temperatureof the surface of the forming roller 14 being maintained in the range ofapproximately 100°-150° F. A temperature reduction in the plasticmaterial of approximately 300°-350° F. is effected as the fastenermember is carried on the cooled forming roller 14.

From the foregoing description of the present method and the fastenermember thus obtained, it will be appreciated that many different aspectsof the method can be selectively varied for achieving the resultsdesired. The tension which is created within the completed fastenermember F by belt puller 24 can be readily adjusted and varied byaltering the speed of the puller and/or the speed of the forming andpressure rollers 14 and 16. The linear forming speed of the fastenermember can likewise be readily varied, with the understanding thatproper cooling of the forming roller 14 is necessary to assure completefilling of the hook-forming cavities 50 while still permittingsolidification and withdrawal of the hook projections H of the fastenermember from the cavities without unacceptable deformation. Whilepolypropylene and nylon have been successfully employed for practicingthe present method, it will be appreciated that many different plasticmaterials lend themselves to use in forming the fastener member F by thecontinuous method of the present invention.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications andvariations can be effected without departing from the true spirit andscope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to beunderstood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodimentdisclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course,intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fallwithin the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elongate member, comprising: a base portion;and a great multiplicity of resiliently flexible hook-like projectionsextending from one surface of said base portion, said hook-likeprojections including free end portions extending generally toward saidbase portion, with at least some adjacent ones of said projections, in adirection along the length of said member, extending in generallyopposite directions; said base portion and integral projections beingformed from an extrusion of molten plastic material by providing afirst, cooled forming roller having a plurality of hook-forming cavitiesdefined about the periphery thereof wherein each said cavity includes athroat portion adjacent the periphery of said forming roller having aninwardly tapering configuration, and each said cavity includes an innerend portion communicating with the throat portion thereof and extendingin a direction back toward the periphery of said forming roller;providing a second pressure roller in position for coaction with saidfirst forming roller; concurrently rotating said first and secondrollers in opposite directions about respective parallel axes; directingsaid extrusion in between said first and second rollers at an interfacethereof so that said plastic material fills said hook-forming cavitiesto form said base portion of said strip-like fastener member and withsaid hook-like projections extending integrally from one surface of thebase portion, each said hook-like projection having a free end portion;cooling said fastener member to a desired temperature by carrying it onthe periphery of said rotating cooled forming roller through asubstantial portion of a revolution of said forming roller; and removingsaid strip-like fastener member from said first forming roller at aposition spaced from the interface of said first and second rollers bymaintaining tension on the elongated fastener member thus-formed so thatsaid hook-like projections are withdrawn from said hook-formingcavities, after being sufficiently cooled so that unacceptabledeformation of the hook-like projections is avoided, without openingsaid cavities by drawing the free end portion of each said hook-likeprojection through the throat portion of the respective one of saidcavities, the free end portion of each said hook-like projectionextending generally toward the base portion of said fastener member. 2.An elongate member in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid plasticmaterial from which said elongate member is formed comprises nylon. 3.An elongate member in accordance with claim 1 whereinsaid plasticmaterial from which said elongate member is formed comprisespolypropylene.